Page 29 of In Bellamira's Chains

We made our way to the entrance, descending down the stairs. Voices traveled from the sitting room, and my steps faltered, but I kept going behind Mistress Belle and Elera.

At first, I was blocked by Mistress Belle as we entered the room, her aura doing me a great service.

“As sultry as ever, Bella.” I glanced around her and met the eyes of an older woman who was a near spitting image of Mistress Belle, only a little shorter, less curvy, and her long gray hair was up in a neat bun.

Her floral dress was form fitting with a high slit and a ruched bodice and her white heels were half the height of her daughter’s. Next to her was a slender man with strawberry blond hair and light brown eyes. His smile was kind as he looked down at me. He was shorter than his mom but taller than Elera from what I could tell.

“Hi. You must be Hazelle.” Roe ignored his mother and sister and came straight for me.

“Yes. Hi.” I glanced at Elera who was by my side as Mistress Belle occupied Farah for the time being. Thankfully, the sitting room was rather large, so I didn’t feel completely suffocated.

“Nice to see you again, Roe. We didn’t know if you’d be coming, but I’m glad you’re here.” She smiled at him, and he nodded to the others in the room.

“And miss playing goalkeeper? Never.” They laughed together, and I hid my giggle behind my hand. “Alphas really aren’t as scary as you think.” His smile was bright and carefree, but mine fell. Elera placed her hand on my shoulder with a serious look on her face. She was biting her tongue to not make a scene, but I knew she wanted to speak up about my past, about how his statement was far from true.

“Once again you speak on something you know nothing about, Roe. Sit down, and behave.”

Mistress Belle flicked the side of his head before turning to me. “I will have a word with him later. He’s had a soft cushiony life, and maybe a little taste of an angry Alpha will give him perspective.” Mistress Belle patted my head and faced the room.

“This is Hazelle, my newest pet and our Omega. I won’t go into details, but she had quite a life before I found her, and we are quite smitten with our little addition.” Mistress Belle pushed me forward so everyone in the room could see me. Her hand remained on my back, just as Elera’s stayed on my shoulder. A silent act of support as I greeted everyone.

“Hello.” I tried to put on my best smile and keep my hands from shaking as I waved at them. A woman I assumed was Nyla waved back at me with a baby in her lap and a smile on her face. “I’m so—I’m so grateful for Mistress Belle and Elera, and I’m pleased to meet all of you.” Sweat formed on my forehead and neck as I remembered the past times where I was introduced to a room of Alphas.

This was the first time outside of the party, and smaller gatherings were more Oros’ speed. I knew it wasn’t the same. I reminded myself of that, but still, the fear lingered and my pheromones bloomed.

They all sat forward, and I stepped back into Mistress Belle.

“I hope you got her for a reasonable price.” Raylan stood and eyed me up and down, his hazel eyes taking every part of me in. I shrank further into Mistress Belle, but she remained tall and regal behind me.

Adira scoffed at her father. “This is why no one wants to invite you anywhere.”

“Is that so, Adira?” Raylan’s attention flew to her, and unlike me, she didn’t fall under his gaze.

“It is. If you want people to enjoy your company, try not being a cynical asshole.” Adira cocked her head, her green eyes piercing into her father’s with ease.

The bits of hair that weren’t gray matched the darkness of his daughter’s, but that’s where the similarities ended. She was muscular and had gorgeous angles to her face. Raylan’s was softer, but I couldn’t tell if it was due to age or if he always had softer features for an Alpha.

Adira stood, brushing by her father. Her flowing red dress skirting around her thighs. “Welcome to the family, Hazelle. I’m sure you and Nyla will get along well. Bella let a few tidbits slip, and you are always welcome at our home any time you’d like to see her or Lettie.”

“Oh, uh, thank you.” I kept my gaze on the ground, eyeing her leather flats. They were much more sensible than anything Mistress Belle would wear. Maybe Lettie had something to do with that.

“Speaking of, it’s time for her to eat. Shall we get settled or are we waiting even longer to enjoy this family meal?” Adiraspoke to Mistress Belle. Their heights would be comparable if my Alpha was in flats.

“I believe we have a little more time before dinner is served. I wanted everyone to get to know Hazelle before we stuffed our faces and no one said a word.” I was entranced by Mistress Belle as she spoke so easily with everyone. I never had it this easy even with people I was the closest with. Elera was close though. I’d get there eventually.

“Very well.” Adira nodded and went to her seat at the back. She and Nyla chose two large chairs next to each other where Raylan was on the three-seater couch to my right and Farah and Roe to my left.

Mistress Belle leaned forward and whispered in my ear, “Sit next to Nyla. I’ll take the seat between you and Raylan.”

I did as I was told and took my seat, eyeing the adorable baby in Nyla’s arms as Mistress Belle sat beside me and Elera took the remaining spot next to Roe. The couches were large, so fitting more people was feasible, but this was enough for me.

“Welcome again, Hazelle. Addie’s right. I think we’ll get along really well.” Nyla had a lovely smile on her face as she scooted forward in her seat, moving us closer together. I smashed myself against the arm of the couch so we were even closer, and I could avoid the glances of the others for now.

“Thank you…” I whispered. “How old is Lettie?” She wasn’t a newborn, but I didn’t think she was moving into toddlerhood either.

“About nine months.” Lettie gnawed on a star shaped teether and babbled with a few mamas mixed in. “It’s been… a lot.” Nyla laughed and kissed Lettie’s cheek before blowing a raspberry, making Lettie laugh hysterically at the act. “You and Elera can borrow her any time if you decide you don’t want to sleep for the night.”

I snorted and covered my mouth. “I’d be happy to, but I don’t have much experience in that area. Do you know?” I asked sheepishly.